Microsoft’s new Xbox One X games console promises true 4K gaming and entertainment, with some boundary-pushing specs for lifelike visuals. Here’s all you need to know about the One X including the UK price and release date and how it compares with the older Xbox One S console.
Sony beat Microsoft to the punch with its first 4K console, but the PS4 Pro has got off to a rocky start and one that is likely to get even rockier now that Microsoft just unveiled its Xbox One X machine.
What is the Xbox One X?
Microsoft’s Xbox One X was launched at E3 2017 in June, bringing the Playstation rival bang up-to-date. The One X is a serious step up from the existing Xbox One S console, offering incredible performance for realistic Ultra HD gaming.
Why is the OnePlus X better than the One S?
While the older One S was capable of HD gaming and streaming 4K resolution video (or playing 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays), the new One X can actually play games in full 4K resolution too. That’s a match for Sony’s PS4 Pro, serving up incredibly crisp visuals.
Of course, the One X can once again stream or play 4K movies too, just like the One S. Both the One S and the One X support HDR10 content, with realistic contrast and accurate colour reproduction.
You also get much improved performance in Microsoft’s new console, so you can expect games that pack incredible graphical detail.
Xbox One X: How good are the graphics?
The PS4 Pro was, until June 2017, the most capable console out there. However, as Microsoft is keen to point out, the Xbox One X packs 40 percent more power than ‘any other console’ (referring of course to the Sony machine).
The One X’s processor is basically a steroid-enhanced version of the Jaguar core CPU stuffed inside the Xbox One S. This 2.3GHz chipset packs eight x86 cores, backed up by 8GBB of RAM. Liquid cooling ensures that the console still runs quietly however, so it won’t sound like a jet is taking off from your lounge.
The 6 Teraflop GPU, which supports 12GB of GDDR5 VRAM and a memory bandwidth of 326GB/S, should ensure your games all look bloody lovely. You’ll never have seen so many pixels crammed onto the screen before, which means our games really should start looking like reality. Scary stuff.
For comparison purposes, the Xbox One S offers a 1.75GHz eight-core chipset (backed by 8GB of DDR3 RAM) and a Radeon GPU clocked at 1.23 Teraflops. Meanwhile the PS4 Pro manages 4.2 Teraflops.
Is the Xbox One X as good as a gaming PC?
Both the One X and a gaming PC have their own pros and cons, so it’s impossible to say that one is ‘better’ than the other. However, the Xbox One X is more affordable than a 4K-ready gaming rig, while still boasting great features such as that Blu-ray drive. It’s also very compact and will blend in with your lounge furniture more easily.
On the flip side, a gaming PC offers full expandability, a stronger games catalogue and other benefits.
Check out our full Xbox One X vs PC comparison for all you need to know.
How big is the Xbox One X’s hard drive?
You get a 1TB HDD packed in the One X console, which can be used to install games, download DLC, store your movies and so on.
What ports does the Xbox One X have?
On the back of the One X console you’ll find the following ports:
- 1x HDMI 2.0b output, streaming video at 2160p resolution @ 60Hz, with AMD FreeSync
- 1x HDMI 1.4b input for you to plug streaming devices into the One X
- 3x USB ports
Is the Xbox One X backwards compatible with Xbox One and Xbox 360 games?
Don’t worry if you already have an extensive games library. The One X will play all existing Xbox One titles, including Play Anywhere games. You can also play existing Backward Compatible Xbox 360 games, with full upscaling for gorgeous graphics.
Can the Xbox One X play VR games?
The Xbox One X will definitely support VR gaming when it’s released. Expect support for Microsoft’s own Mixed Reality headsets. We also know a few developers are working on VR demos already, including Bethesda.
How does the One X compare with the One S and PS4 Pro as a home cinema system?
We’re glad you asked. We’ve compiled an in-depth feature about the One X’s media abilities, comparing it with the older One S and the PS4 Pro.
In a nutshell however, the One X is certainly a beast. With 4K HDR-ready video streaming, support for Ultra HD Blu-rays, Dolby Atmos surround sound and strong connectivity, Microsoft’s new console could easily replace your current home cinema setup.
Xbox One X UK release date and price?
The Xbox One X will be released in the UK on November 7, just in time for Christmas shopping to begin. You can expect to pay £449 here in the UK for the base console, although there will no doubt be plenty of games bundles to choose from too.
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